Highest Ratings for Derby in 18 Years

[Travis Stone]

The lack of other pro-sports options certainly helped, but part of the bump I'm sure is associated to NBC's focus with the broadcast. It's amazing to think the Kentucky Derby is watched by more women than men. So the peacock network acted accordingly. Whether or not racing fans liked Top Chef, unfortunately, racing fans are the minority.

NBC is a smart, successful company... they wouldn't do those things if the data didn't support it.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

The lack of other pro-sports options certainly helped, but part of the bump I'm sure is associated to NBC's focus with the broadcast. It's amazing to think the Kentucky Derby is watched by more women than men. So the peacock network acted accordingly. Whether or not racing fans liked Top Chef, unfortunately, racing fans are the minority.

NBC is a smart, successful company... they wouldn't do those things if the data didn't support it.

Its all about the "Pageantry" Derby day and once its over its back to business. Screwing the bettor, to much racing, and slot driven purses in ridiculous locations for racing. OH and California!!!

The NBC Derby Pageant coverage is exactly what it should be without the swimsuits!

[jms62]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

The lack of other pro-sports options certainly helped, but part of the bump I'm sure is associated to NBC's focus with the broadcast. It's amazing to think the Kentucky Derby is watched by more women than men. So the peacock network acted accordingly. Whether or not racing fans liked Top Chef, unfortunately, racing fans are the minority.

NBC is a smart, successful company... they wouldn't do those things if the data didn't support it.

The options are simple for racing fans that are uninterested in the human intrest stuff. Watch TVG or HRTV and play other tracks until post time then switch over to ESPN to watch the Derby undercard and then to NBC to watch the Derby. Worked fine for me.

[slotdirt]

How about the fact that it was pouring rain outside throughout the south-southeast, including in Louisville, probably kept people in front of the television for a lot longer? I know that 155k showed up at the track, but I know of at least a few usual attendees who bailed because of the rain.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

How about the fact that it was pouring rain outside throughout the south-southeast, including in Louisville, probably kept people in front of the television for a lot longer? I know that 155k showed up at the track, but I know of at least a few usual attendees who bailed because of the rain.

Attendance was announced at 155k

[richard burch]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Attendance was announced at 155k

thats a big number. glad to see that.

[smartbid09]

This is great news!

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by jms62

The options are simple for racing fans that are uninterested in the human intrest stuff. Watch TVG or HRTV and play other tracks until post time then switch over to ESPN to watch the Derby undercard and then to NBC to watch the Derby. Worked fine for me.

This really is the bottom line when it comes to griping about horse racing coverage... NBC etc. are not showing the race to appease gamblers. It's more than that. Hence the cool camera shots and angles... a massive percentage of the people watching the race don't even have a bet down... they could care less about the pan shot.

[AeWingnut]

Nascar became popular - got aired during primetime
now every race ends in a Green White Checker

would prime time ruin horse racing like it did Nascar?

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by AeWingnut

Nascar became popular - got aired during primetime
now every race ends in a Green White Checker

would prime time ruin horse racing like it did Nascar?

One of the million reasons why I won't watch NASCAR is because you can spend hours watching, then have it end without a real finish. Boring.

[2MinsToPost]

Originally Posted by AeWingnut

Nascar became popular - got aired during primetime
now every race ends in a Green White Checker

would prime time ruin horse racing like it did Nascar?

Nascar went primetime well after it became popular, well after. About the only night race for most of the 80's was Bristol in August and last time I checked prime time is at night.

That has ZERO bearing on their ratings and attendance, and honestly they still draw decent.

Check the facts first

What horse race is aired during prime time by the way? I am totally at a lost for what point you are trying to make

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

The lack of other pro-sports options certainly helped, but part of the bump I'm sure is associated to NBC's focus with the broadcast. It's amazing to think the Kentucky Derby is watched by more women than men. So the peacock network acted accordingly. Whether or not racing fans liked Top Chef, unfortunately, racing fans are the minority.

NBC is a smart, successful company... they wouldn't do those things if the data didn't support it.

NBC did a great job with the Leno/O'Brien thing. Arent they a distant 4th in the ratings? I think I'll stick with the "nothing else on" theory.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

NBC did a great job with the Leno/O'Brien thing. Arent they a distant 4th in the ratings? I think I'll stick with the "nothing else on" theory.

In what ratings? Overnight? That doesn't dictate sports... it does from the pre-event promotional standpoint, however.

Does anyone know how the Oaks came out in ratings?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

In what ratings? Overnight? That doesn't dictate sports... it does from the pre-event promotional standpoint, however.

Does anyone know how the Oaks came out in ratings?

You said NBC is knows what is doing and is smart. The Nielson ratings of the top 25 shows in the biggest demographic doesnt support that.

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/20...206#more-49206

Of the top 25 shows on broadcast TV, 2 of them are NBC shows with none in the top 10. I'm just saying that they seem to be as successful and well run as say...the Clippers?

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

You said NBC is knows what is doing and is smart. The Nielson ratings of the top 25 shows in the biggest demographic doesnt support that.

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/20...206#more-49206

Of the top 25 shows on broadcast TV, 2 of them are NBC shows with none in the top 10. I'm just saying that they seem to be as successful and well run as say...the Clippers?

NBC is also responsible for Seinfeld, Friends, Law and Order among others. Sure the market has become more competitive, and they haven't found the next American Idol, but one thing they've always done fairly well with are sports. They also run the #1 ranked morning show. NBC is no slouch.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

NBC is also responsible for Seinfeld, Friends, Law and Order among others. Sure the market has become more competitive, and they haven't found the next American Idol, but one thing they've always done fairly well with are sports. They also run the #1 ranked morning show. NBC is no slouch.

Did you shoot a pilot or something for them?

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Did you shoot a pilot or something for them?

He LOVES Peacocks.

NT